A team from the North Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has visited Mavulis Island and Basco in Batanes to inspect naval detachment facilities.

The visit was part of efforts to strengthen the country’s territorial defense in the northernmost region.

The team used a Blackhawk helicopter for the journey to Mavulis Island, the farthest island in the north. From there, they proceeded to Basco in Batanes.

The primary objective was to inspect the two naval detachment facilities in the area as part of bolstering the country's territorial defense.

The team also checked on the military personnel stationed there.

According to the AFP, it is important to ensure that the facilities are operational for security of the Batanes Group of Islands, the Luzon Strait, and other critical maritime areas of the country.

"These [facilities] are manned by Philippine Navy Marines kasama ang civilian active auxiliary. As much as possible, kung ano ‘yung pangangailangan ng mga sundalo sa mainland, ‘yun ang ninanais na maibigay sa mga sundalong naka-deploy sa Mavulis at Basco naval detachment," Major Al Anthony Pueblas, Group Commander of the 1st Civil Relations Group of AFP, said.

NO THREAT

The AFP said the military presence does not pose a threat to local fishermen.

The continuous presence of soldiers has reportedly deterred foreign vessels from entering the exclusive economic zone of the country in the northern region. 

The resupply mission for the soldiers stationed in the areas also remain uninterrupted.

"We also have a monitoring detachment na kung saan ang misyon nito ay i-monitor ang mga pumapasok sa teritoryo ng ating bansa. So far, walang na-monitor na activities involving foreign forces," Pueblas added.